Colly: Galle Test will be emotional

As well as the historical significance of the third Test being the first at the reconstructed ground since the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami struck, it is also where Collingwood, 31, made his debut.

"Emotional is a fitting word to use," said Collingwood, referring to Tuesday's contest. "It is going to be a very sad occasion in many ways but we have seen how the Sri Lankan people have reacted to such a disaster. They are trying to rebuild their lives and we will try to put some smiles back on their faces."

England's squad were split into groups on Saturday to attend various charity projects which have helped regenerate the region.

One-day captain Collingwood, Test leader Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Hoggard and Alastair Cook coached 22 youngsters at the ground's indoor centre as part of an England and Wales Cricket Board partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme.

Cook was on the island in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami.

He explained: "We were on an A tour here. We played all our games in Colombo but we had a day here two-and-a-half months afterwards to see what had gone on and if we could help out in any way.

"At the time seeing all the houses built so soon afterwards was an amazing experience and very humbling.

"Sometimes you get stuck in a cricket world and all you think about is batting, your team and that kind of thing.

"So to come here now, and two-and-a-half years ago, it takes you out of the bubble and puts everything into perspective."